The Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs are here and the Lions’ matchup is set, slated to take on New York City FC in their first postseason match in Club history on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Exploria Stadium.
With that, we’re looking back at some of our most memorable matches against the Pigeons as the Lions prepare to face off against their 2015 expansion rivals in what is already another historic match in our Club's history.
March 5, 2017 - Orlando City 1, NYCFC 0
It was the long-awaited grand opening of then-named Orlando City Stadium, as the Lions opened the doors of their purple-clad, privately-funded new home in the heart of downtown Orlando, first playing host to their 2015 expansion rivals to open the 2017 MLS campaign.
Just as it was days shy of two years prior, the spectacle of this evening was another long-awaited moment in our Club’s history.
From the time of the stadium’s ground breaking in October 2014 that saw thousands of City fans take the very march to the match they would on March 5, 2017 to its opening, the purple display of soccer in Orlando had become a staple in both Major League Soccer and across the world.
In addition, plans for the stadium itself had been altered, with the Club announcing on May 29, 2015 that they would 100% privately fund the venue, while also increasing its originally planned capacity from 18,000 to 25,500.
What also was revealed was the plans for “The Wall”, that would serve as the first safe-standing section built in North America. With a capacity of nearly 4,000, the section was designed for the Club’s most raucous supporters in what was intended to help create the most intimidating atmosphere in MLS.
Fast forward to that Sunday afternoon in March of 2017, 25,527 fans packed into Orlando City Stadium for the first time to celebrate yet another season of professional soccer in Orlando all while relishing in their newfound fortress, revealing a tifo prior to the match that read “A Gift from the Gods” in the north end of the stadium.
From then, the whistle blew and the intended design of the stadium to enhance the crowd noise was put on full display, as the capacity crowd chanted and cheered for the Lions on the pitch. Just 15 minutes later, the world got to see just how loud the roars from those supporters would be.
After a ball from Carlos Rivas found Giles Barnes on the left side, Barnes was able to tee up a cross to the far post, finding the head of Cyle Larin, who hammered in the finish that sent the sold out crowd into a frenzy.
It was the lone finish on the day for either side, with the Lions posting a 1-0 shutout victory in the debut of their new home, the first of five-consecutive at home from March 5-April 29 to set an MLS record that still stands today for the most home wins in a row to open a new stadium.
The Club began its history against the Pigeons in 2015 and, two years later, revealed its fortress for yet another memorable night in The City Beautiful against its expansion rivals.
